A launching device for grasping and launching an action figure is provided, the launching device having: a base member; an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position; a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member, wherein the pair of arm members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure; a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about an axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position.
|
1. A launching device for grasping and launching an action figure, comprising:
a base member;
an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement about a pivotal axis between a first position and a second position, the arm member including a first end pivotally secured to the base, an opposite, distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the arm member from the first end to the distal end, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the pivotal axis;
a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member proximate the distal end, wherein the pair of grasping members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure in a first grasping member position; and
a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about the longitudinal axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position, wherein the drivetrain comprises a driveshaft rotatably received within an interior of the arm member and extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm member, and wherein movement of the arm member from the first position to the second position causes rotational movement of the driveshaft, and wherein the pair of grasping members are moved from the first grasping member position to a second grasping member position when the arm member is moved to the second position from the first position and wherein the pair of grasping members release the portion of the action figure from the pair of grasping members when the pair of grasping members are in the second grasping member position.
14. A play set comprising:
at least one action figure;
a launching device for grasping and launching the action figure, the launching device comprising:
a base member;
an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement about a pivotal axis between a first position and a second position, the arm member including a first end pivotally secured to the base, a distal end opposite to the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the arm member from the first end to the distal end, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the pivotal axis;
a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member proximate the distal end, wherein the pair of grasping members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure in a first grasping member position;
a drivetrain comprising a driveshaft rotatably received within an interior of the arm member and extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm member, the drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members, wherein movement of the arm member from the first position to the second position causes rotational movement of the driveshaft of the drivetrain to rotate the pair of grasping members about the longitudinal axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position, and wherein the pair of grasping members are moved from the first grasping member position to a second grasping member position when the arm member is moved to the second position from the first position and wherein the pair of grasping members release the portion of the action figure from the pair of grasping members when the pair of grasping members are in the second grasping member position; and
a target having a break away portion releasably retained therein, the break away portion being configured to be released from the target upon impact from the action figure.
2. The launching device as in
3. The launching device as in
4. The launching device as in
5. The launching device as in
6. The launching device as in
7. The launching device as in
8. The launching device as in
9. The launching device as in
10. The launching device as in
11. The launching device as in
12. The launching device as in
13. The launching device as in
15. The play set as in
16. The play set as in
17. The play set as in
|
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/602,908, filed Feb. 24, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Various embodiments of the present invention are related to an apparatus and method for launching action figures.
Children's toys have included miniature cars, boats, trains, figures, etc. wherein the user's imagination provides for hours of extended play and enjoyment. Toy figures that resemble fighting or combat type activities are particularly popular as the user can participate in imaginary battles and/or scenes.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toy that resembles combat activities and allows for interaction with the user.
In one embodiment, a launching device for grasping and launching an action figure is provided, the launching device having: a base member; an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position; a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member, wherein the pair of arm members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure; a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about an axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position.
In another embodiment a play set is provided, the play set having: at least one action figure; a launching device for grasping and launching the action figure, the launching device comprising: a base member; an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position; a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member, wherein the pair of arm members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure; a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about an axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position; and a target having a break away portion releasably retained therein, the break away portion being configured to be released from the target upon impact from the action figure.
These and/or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Although the drawings represent varied embodiments and features of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to illustrate and explain exemplary embodiments the present invention. The exemplification set forth herein illustrates several aspects of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention an apparatus for launching an action figure is disclosed. In addition, a method for launching an action figure from a location is also disclosed herein. Referring now to the FIGS., a launching device 10 for use with a toy play set 12 is illustrated. In one non-limiting embodiment, the launching device 10 is configured to grasp and subsequently release (e.g., launch) the action
The launching device 10 has a base member 16 and an arm member 18 pivotally secured to the base member 16 for movement between a first position (See at least
Moreover and in one embodiment the launching device 10 is configured for use with a play set 12, one non-limiting example of such a play set is the ring illustrated in at least
The arm member 18 of the launching device 10 is pivotally secured to the base member 16 at a first end while a pair of grasping members or arm members 20 are rotatably secured to the arm member 18 at a distal opposite end of the arm member 18. In addition, the pair of grasping members or arm members 20 are configured for movement between a first closed position 22 and a second open position 24. The first closed position 22 corresponds to the arm member 18 being in the first position while the second open position 24 corresponds to the arm member being in the second position.
As the arm member 18 transitions from the first position to the second position the pair of grasping members or arm members 20 are elevated upwardly away from the launching device 10 such that the action
In one embodiment, the pair of grasping members or arm members 20 are pivotally mounted to a hub member 26 that is rotatably secured to the arm member 18. The grasping members 20 are configured to grasp a portion of the action
In another embodiment, the pair of grasping members or arm members 20 are pivotally mounted to a hub member 26 that is rotatably secured to the arm member 18. As illustrated in the attached FIGS., the grasping members 20 are configured to grasp a portion of the action
In one non-limiting embodiment, the grasping members 20 are spring biased into the first closed position 22 by a spring 27 or other equivalent biasing member. The launching device 10 also has a drivetrain 30 that is coupled to the pair of grasping members 20. Drivetrain 30 is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members 20 about an axis 32 of the arm member 18 as the arm member 18 moves between the first position and the second position.
In one embodiment, the drivetrain 30 is coupled to the hub member 26 and hub member 26 is rotated by the drivetrain 30 as the arm member 18 moves between the first position and the second position. Drivetrain 30 further comprises a drive shaft 34 that is rotatably received within the arm member 18. A first end of the drive shaft 34 is coupled to the pair of grasping members 20 or alternatively hub member 26 such that as driveshaft 34 rotates with respect to the arm member 18 the pair of grasping members 20 will also rotate.
A gear member 36 is coupled to the opposite end of the driveshaft 34. Gear member 36 is configured to engage a rack 38 disposed within base member 16 of the launching device 10. In one embodiment, rack 38 has an acurate configuration such that as the arm member moves from the first position to the second position gear member 36 engages rack 38 that is fixedly secured to the base member and accordingly a rotational force in the direction of arrow 40 is provided to the driveshaft 34 as the arm member 18 transitions from the first position to the second position and gear member 36 engages rack 38.
In one embodiment and in order to transition the arm member 18 from the first position to the second position an actuating lever 42 is provided. Actuating lever 42 is pivotally mounted to the base portion 16 of the launching device 10 and is operably coupled to the arm member 18 via a linkage or any other suitable mechanism 41 operatively coupled to arm member 18 and actuating lever 42 such that movement of lever 42 causes a corresponding movement of arm member 18. In one embodiment, actuating lever 42 is configured for movement between a first position corresponding to the first position of the arm member 18 and a second position corresponding to the second position of the arm member 18. Since actuating lever 42 is operably coupled to the arm member 18 movement of the actuating lever 42 from the first position to the second position causes a corresponding movement of the arm member 18 from the first position to the second position.
For example and as illustrated in at least
As mentioned above, the pair of grasping members 20 are configured to be in a first grasping position (spring biased or otherwise) wherein a portion of the action
In one embodiment, the transitioning of the grasping members 20 from the first grasping position to the second open position may be simply facilitated by the momentum of the action
As illustrated in the attached FIGS. and in one non-limiting embodiment when the arm member 18 is in the first position, the pair of grasping members 20 are parallel to a surface 70 the launching device 10 is resting upon. Accordingly, the pair of grasping members 20 are positioned to easily grasp an action
In one alternative embodiment, the end portion of the arm member 18 pivotally secured to the base member 16 of the launching device 10 is pivotally secured to a wall member or portion 72 that is movably and/or pivotally secured to base member 16 such that movement in the direction of arrows 74 is possible and thus the launching device 10 may be aimed (e.g., angularly configuring wall member 72) at a target (e.g., target 15 or alternatively another action
Referring now to
As illustrated and described herein, the action
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. In addition, it is noted that the terms “bottom” and “top” are used herein, unless otherwise noted, merely for convenience of description, and are not limited to any one position or spatial orientation.
The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Barthold, Mark, Strauss, Michael
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
11383155, | Nov 22 2021 | QUANZHOU KUANRUI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD | Educational toy |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1075865, | |||
1178028, | |||
1374420, | |||
1400097, | |||
1542063, | |||
1576515, | |||
2012424, | |||
2151546, | |||
2518913, | |||
2638708, | |||
2799501, | |||
2911758, | |||
2949694, | |||
2974954, | |||
3074720, | |||
3425153, | |||
3445114, | |||
3565432, | |||
3600849, | |||
3693288, | |||
3715121, | |||
3724855, | |||
3789542, | |||
3794325, | |||
3839820, | |||
3856304, | |||
3901208, | |||
3927883, | |||
4047325, | Aug 27 1975 | Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc. | Baton twirling figure |
4091563, | Nov 08 1976 | Fighting doll and fight ring with doll manipulator | |
4111179, | Apr 07 1977 | Catapult toy | |
4120117, | Jan 26 1977 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Articulated figure toy |
4155552, | Nov 25 1977 | Dumbbell shaped projectile and balloon target game | |
4186517, | Feb 07 1978 | KENNER PARKER TOYS INC | Doll with arm-actuated fingers |
4233952, | Mar 30 1978 | Perky & Me Co. | Hand catapult device |
4244138, | Feb 04 1980 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Animated action toy bird |
4253669, | Oct 26 1978 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Game apparatus with object receiving receptacles and object engaging member |
4655725, | Oct 11 1985 | Mattel, Inc. | Animated figure toy |
4659320, | Sep 27 1985 | Mattel, Inc.; MATTEL, INC , A CORP OF DE | Toy vehicle with disc launching apparatus and disks |
4689034, | Feb 07 1986 | Coleco Industries, Inc. | Figure toy with projectile launching mechanism |
4985008, | Feb 06 1990 | Hasbro, Inc. | Wrestler character figure |
5009424, | Sep 20 1989 | GAMES FOR GAIN, INC , A CORP OF ILLINOIS | Gameboard amusement device |
5042807, | May 22 1989 | Tomy Company, Ltd. | Boxer doll and boxing game apparatus employing same |
5150898, | Feb 11 1991 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC | Game apparatus |
5181500, | May 06 1991 | Pincers for throwing and catching a flying disc | |
5282634, | Mar 30 1992 | Pincers for throwing and catching a flying disc | |
5288071, | Dec 04 1992 | Game apparatus | |
5344156, | Nov 02 1992 | Action game | |
5352148, | Apr 23 1993 | HOLMES, RONEE C ; PARTI-LINE INTERNATIONAL, L L C | Confetti |
5392755, | Nov 24 1992 | Lanfield Holdings Limited | Launching mechanism |
5397260, | Feb 07 1992 | TYCO INDUSTRIES, INC | Toy crash center play set |
5403225, | Apr 23 1993 | HOLMES, RONEE C ; PARTI-LINE INTERNATIONAL, L L C | Confetti device |
5435570, | Dec 12 1994 | Game apparatus with launching device and method of playing | |
5458523, | May 25 1994 | Hasbro, Inc. | Action character figure assembly |
5478269, | Feb 09 1995 | Mattel, Inc | Toy figure having grasping claw |
5556319, | Apr 23 1993 | HOLMES, RONEE C ; PARTI-LINE INTERNATIONAL, L L C | Confetti launching device |
5690330, | Sep 09 1996 | The Ohio Art Company | Toy basketball game with self-jumping player |
5788242, | Aug 23 1996 | Elliot A. Rudell | Two-sided tabletop basketball game |
5823850, | Apr 23 1993 | HOLMES, RONEE C ; PARTI-LINE INTERNATIONAL, L L C | Confetti launching device |
5851012, | Jul 01 1997 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC | Ball game apparatus with spin imparting catapult |
5964638, | Oct 06 1997 | Manually actuated figure toy | |
6171169, | Jan 29 1999 | Mattel, Inc | Articulated toy figure simulating basketball play |
6325692, | Feb 11 2000 | Toy and storage play set | |
6336838, | Oct 05 1999 | Automatic tow release system for model aircraft | |
6537129, | May 31 2002 | Mattel, Inc | Toy doll bed having jumping doll |
6837769, | Apr 28 2003 | LEGO A S | Toy figure and a game comprising such toy figure |
6851951, | May 31 2002 | Hundai Motor Company | Hand assembly for a crash test dummy |
6860787, | Mar 31 2003 | Hasbro, Inc | Toy having a simulated climbing figure |
6889678, | Mar 04 2003 | Coin catapult device for use in an amusement game | |
7032583, | Sep 10 2004 | Ball throwing apparatus | |
732281, | |||
7415976, | Feb 09 2006 | Pitching apparatus and method | |
7475881, | Nov 03 2005 | Mattel, Inc | Fighting figure game |
7591471, | Feb 14 2006 | KMA Concepts Limited | Magnetic acrobat game |
7857679, | Apr 27 2007 | Mattel, Inc | Toy track set and relay segments |
7895995, | Nov 10 2007 | Launcher and chase toy combination and method | |
7900617, | Sep 13 2007 | Launcher for a flying disc | |
8128092, | Aug 20 2008 | Mattel, Inc. | Game |
8181964, | Apr 23 2010 | MATTEL INC | Game |
20060292958, | |||
20070141948, | |||
20080268743, | |||
20100041305, | |||
20100159800, | |||
20100181720, | |||
20100273394, | |||
20100291833, | |||
20100304637, | |||
20110074105, | |||
20110092132, | |||
20110124265, | |||
20110269369, | |||
20120048251, | |||
20120161397, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Feb 22 2013 | Mattel, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Apr 09 2013 | BARTHOLD, MARK | Mattel, Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 030203 | /0053 | |
Apr 09 2013 | STRAUSS, MICHAEL | Mattel, Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 030203 | /0053 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Mar 20 2020 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
May 13 2024 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Sep 20 2019 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Mar 20 2020 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 20 2020 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Sep 20 2022 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Sep 20 2023 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Mar 20 2024 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 20 2024 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Sep 20 2026 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Sep 20 2027 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Mar 20 2028 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 20 2028 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Sep 20 2030 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |